Exhibitions

The Hirschfeld Century: The Art of Al Hirschfeld

Al Hirschfeld (1903–2003) brought a distinct style to celebrity drawings, making his work instantly recognizable —to be “Hirschfelded” was a sign that a performer had arrived. Now for the first time, nine decades of Hirschfeld’s work will be on display at the New-York Historical Society in The Hirschfeld Century: The Art of Al Hirschfeld, a multimedia exhibition organized in partnership with The Al Hirschfeld Foundation and in conjunction with Alfred A. Knopf’s publication of curator David Leopold’s groundbreaking book on the artist. The exhibition of over 100 original works includes many highlights from Hirschfeld’s prolific career with a special emphasis on the New York Times—where he was a contributor for over seven decades. Come see the art that defined New York popular culture and made the 1900s The Hirschfeld Century.

Click here to get your copy of The Hirschfeld Century, now on sale exclusively at the Museum Store.

Click here to read an interview with the exhibition's curator, David Leopold.

Watch a short video on NYC-ARTS​ of Louise Kerz Hirschfeld speaking with Paula Zahn about the art and life of Al Hirschfeld.

The Art of Al Hirschfeld was organized by Louise Kerz Hirschfeld, President of The Al Hirschfeld Foundation, and the New-York Historical Society, and was curated by David Leopold, Archivist of The Al Hirschfeld Foundation.

Leadership support for The Art of Al Hirschfeld has been provided by the The Al Hirschfeld Foundation, Lewis B. Cullman and Louise Kerz Hirschfeld, Edwin Schloss, and Janine Luke, in memory of Melvin Seiden.